Mel, Mel & Julian
Traditional/Public Domain
Story
Banks of the Ohio... first heard on one of the first Vanguard Joan Baez LPs. What thrilled us was that she was backed up by the Greenbriar Boys, a group of city boys, like us, who played bluegrass like true mountain folk, or so we thought. Perfect for a set of folk music, a song about love, deceit and murder.
Lyrics
I asked my love to take a walk,
Take a walk, just a little walk.
Down beside, where the waters flowed
Down by the banks of the Ohio
Then only say that you'll be mine
And in no other arms entwine.
Down beside, where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio.
I held a knife against her breast
As into my arms she pressed,
She cried"Willie, Oh Willie! Don't you murder me
I'm not prepared for eternity!"
cho:
I started home 'twixt twelve and one
Cryin' "Oh my God! What have I done?
Killed the only woman I love
Because she would not be my bride.